getting to know your river

Would you like to find out more about us, or about your environment? Then call us on 08708 506 506 (Mon-Fri 8-6) email enquiries@environmentagency.gov.uk or visit our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24hrs) floodline 0845 988 1188 A user s guide to the River Thames getting to know your river Environment first: This publication is printed on paper made from 100 per cent previously used waste. By-products from making the pulp and paper are used for composting and fertiliser, for making cement and for generating energy. GETH0309BPGK-E-P

Welcome to the River Thames We are the Environment Agency, navigation authority for the River Thames from Lechlade to Teddington. We care for the river, keeping it clean, healthy and safe for the millions of people who use it, from anglers and naturalists to boaters, walkers and cyclists. This leaflet is an essential guide to helping the wide variety of users enjoy their activities in harmony. To help us maintain this harmony, please read about activities other than your own to help you appreciate the needs of others. To encourage better understanding amongst river users, there are nine River User Groups (RUGs) covering the length of the river from Cricklade to Tower Bridge. Members represent various river users, from clubs and sporting associations to commercial businesses. If you belong to a club that uses the river, encourage it to join the appropriate group. Contact your local waterway office for details. Find out more about the River Thames at www.visitthames.co.uk

Before you go... Please take note of the following reminders to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable time on the River Thames. Respect others Learn about other people s activities so you can appreciate their needs and intentions, especially when in competition. If planning an event on the river, contact your local waterway office to ensure it is co-ordinated with the needs of others. Keep a lookout for anglers on the bank. Do not disturb them, keep your distance and avoid their tackle. Always steer on the right hand side where possible to avoid collision. Give way to boats coming downstream near bridges and sharp bends. Watch your speed and take care when passing others. Leave the lock gates shut when the lock is empty. Remember excessive noise can disturb others. Respect safety Take account of river conditions. All activities can be enjoyed with minimum risk if you follow some simple safety guidelines (see page 16). Always take note of warning signs. Wear non-slip footwear and use grab rails when moving around on deck. Boats should carry a fire extinguisher, bilge pump and enough life jackets for all on board. Keep a close eye on children. Children and non-swimmers should wear life jackets. Swimming in rivers is dangerous. Be aware of potential health risks associated with water recreation. In the event of an accident or emergency, call 999. Respect the environment Do not damage riverbanks, vegetation and wildlife, especially during the breeding season. Shut gates, keep to footpaths, guard against fire and take your litter home. Avoid making wash, it can cause erosion to riverbanks. Avoid pollution. Report pollution incidents to the Environment Agency Emergency Hotline 0800 087060. Contents Part 1 Navigation and recreation advice 1 Regulations 1 Be safe on the water 4 Safety at locks 8 Navigation 10 Water sports and recreation advice 16 Motorised boats 22 Part 2 Structures, facilities and services 27 Lock facilities and dimensions 27 Lock staff hours of duty 32 Public short-stay moorings 33 Public slipways and launching sites 34 Commercial sewage pump-outs 35 Connecting waterways 36 Table of distances and headways 39 Useful contacts 47

Regulations Regulations Part 1 Navigation and recreation advice Regulations Our navigation jurisdiction extends over the River Thames between Town Bridge, Cricklade and the boundary obelisk about 210 metres (230 yards) downstream of Teddington Lock. It also covers the River Kennet from its mouth, upstream to 64 metres (70 yards) east of the High Bridge in Reading. Various regulations and byelaws govern the use of the river and its banks for boaters, anglers, river-side owners, walkers etc. Whether you want to erect a landing stage, hold a regatta or a sponsored walk, please check with the local waterway office and read the Water sports and recreation advice on page 16. Registration and licensing All boats (motor launches, canoes, sailing dinghies, sailboards, rowing boats etc.) must be currently registered and licensed with the Environment Agency. Registration certificates usually expire on 31 December, although short period registration certificates may be obtained for boats visiting the Thames. Your boat must be river worthy, and should not carry more people than it is designed for or the law permits. It is an offence to carry more than 12 passengers without a passenger-carrying certificate issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Your boat must comply with construction and equipment specifications. You are required to produce a valid boat safety certificate or declaration of conformity when applying for a licence. For further details call 01923 201278 or go to www.boatsafetyscheme.com. As the registered owner, you must notify us of any change of ownership during the registration period. Failure to do so is an offence. Licences are not transferable and the licence plate must be clearly displayed on your boat at all times. If you lose or damage your licence plate, you can get a duplicate licence from our Craft Registration Department, call 0118 953 5650. The boat name, shown exactly as it appears on the registration certificate, must be clearly marked on either side of the bow and on the stern in plain letters in the following minimum sizes: 5.1 cm (2 ) for a boat no more than 6.09 m (20 ) in length 7.6 cm (3 ) for a boat between 6.09 m (20 ) and 9.14 m (30 ) in length 10.2 cm (4 ) for a boat between 9.14 m (30 ) and 15.23 m (50 ) in length 15.2 cm (6 ) for a boat exceeding 15.23 m (50 ) in length The name of your boat must be easily distinguishable from any trade name. No other advertising sign or notice may be displayed unless it is in relation to the owner s river related business. 1 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 2

Regulations Be safe on the water Speed limits The maximum speed for power driven boats upstream of Teddington is 8 kilometres per hour (approx. 5 miles per hour) over the bed of the river. To help you check that you are not travelling too fast, there are transit marks at: Oxford, Port Meadow upstream of Medley Boat station Day s Lock upstream of the lock Reading, Dreadnought Reach downstream of the entrance to the Thames and Kennet Marina Bourne End, towpath at Cockmarsh downstream of Bourne End railway bridge Shepperton the Desborough Channel Kingston towpath downstream of Ravens Ait Each site has two pairs of markers. These are black and white poles with a red triangle topmark, they are set exactly so when navigating at 8 kilometres per hour you will take 60 seconds to travel from one pair to the other. If you have taken less than 60 seconds you are travelling too fast. Please slow down. Exemptions from this speed limit include: Any boat taking action to avoid danger to person or property. Boats engaged in training, coaching or umpiring rowers and which display a pennant or mark issued by us. 3 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Be safe on the water Every year there are accidents on the river. Many of them are serious, some even fatal. This information will help you to stay safe while using the river. River conditions Any river activity poses a greater risk when there are strong currents, higher river levels or cold weather conditions. Flows can increase even during the summer months never assume sunny weather means the conditions are not hazardous. We display warning boards at our locks to inform river users of the conditions. Read the following explanation of what these mean for you. Do not take risks and never underestimate the power of the river. When we are displaying these boards on lock gates, we advise users of all boats not to navigate because the strong flows make it difficult and dangerous. Those in hire boats arriving at a lock where these boards are displayed should stop immediately and contact their hire boat operator to ask their instructions. When we are displaying these boards on lock gates, we advise users of all unpowered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to find a safe mooring. This is because river flows are likely to strengthen and red boards could be displayed very soon and without warning. When we are displaying these boards on lock gates, we advise users of all unpowered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to navigate with caution. Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 4

Be safe on the water Be safe on the water You can keep up-to-date with the current river conditions and strong stream warnings in the follow ways: Call our Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to hear recorded information and advice. You will need to select option 1, followed by quick dial number 011131 Visit our website www.visitthames.co.uk/riverconditions Talk to one of our lock staff who will be able to give advice on local conditions and moorings Always be prepared Stream conditions might change while you are afloat and can last for days or weeks so it is important you and your boat are prepared by following these guidelines: Keep extra ropes on board for more secure mooring. Have an anchor, preferably two, which are rigged for immediate use. Keep supplies of long-life provisions and plenty of drinking water on board. Keep your fuel tanks topped up. Empty your toilet holding tanks regularly. It may also be useful to keep a portable chemical toilet on board. Keep a fully charged mobile telephone on board if possible. Never go afloat or leave a safe mooring without checking the local conditions. Dealing with changing river conditions If you find yourself in conditions where we advise you to stop navigating, read this section carefully. Remember, not all conditions will be serious enough to require all the measures suggested below. Please take our advice to stop. Even the most experienced boater can be caught out so think about those who could be put in danger if they have to help you. Moor your boat in a safe place, preferably in a marina or a recognised mooring. Limited space may be available at some locks. Moor against high banks if you can. Ensure your mooring lines are fastened to secure fixings such as bollards, rings or even trees. Put out extra lines for additional security and allow enough slack for a further rise in river levels. Do not rely on your own mooring pins/stakes as they might not hold. If possible, put extra fendering (e.g. scaffold poles or strong timber posts) between your boat and the bank side to prevent it drifting onto the river bank and becoming caught up when levels drop. Make sure you have a safe exit ashore from your boat. If not, you should consider returning home or finding alternative accommodation until conditions improve. If you are running low on essential supplies or have other safety concerns and are not able to vacate your boat safely, you should treat this as an emergency and dial 999 to ask for evacuation. Please remember your life is more important than your boat. The Environment Agency is not an emergency service and we are not able to carry out search and rescue or provide supplies to stranded boats. 5 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 6

Be safe on the water Safety at locks Top tips for navigating safely The river s flow can still make navigation challenging, even if no warning boards are displayed, especially when boards have just been withdrawn or just before they are displayed. We recommend you follow this advice, but remember it s your decision to take to the water. Make sure you stay within both your and your boat s abilities. Keep a good lookout at all times and remember others may not be able to see you. Floating debris or underwater obstructions may stop your engine(s) or foul your propeller(s). Keep plenty of distance from other boats. If you stop your boat you may lose control. Other boats may not be able to stop quickly or at all. Those coming downstream are harder to control and have right of way. Keep a steady forward course and avoid turning near bridges, bends, lock cuts and weirs. When turning, make sure you have plenty of room as the flow could sweep you downstream onto other boats or obstructions such as islands, guard piles or landing stages. Large boats (e.g. passenger boats or tugs) need plenty of space to manoeuvre. Stay away from them and be prepared to take avoiding action. Take care near bridges. Their restricted headroom/width are especially hazardous when there is a faster flow. Before setting off, make sure your entire route is clear of red strong stream warning boards and a mooring is available at your destination. If you have any difficulty, we strongly advise you to find a safe mooring immediately. Safety at locks In narrow lock cuts, please remember some boats draw up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) or more and might not be able to manoeuvre quickly. When waiting for a lock, form an orderly queue at the lay-by moorings as near to the lock as possible. Queue jumping is bad mannered it arouses ill feeling and can cause confusion and delays entering the lock. Once the lock is full, any remaining boats should move forward along the lay-by to ensure those waiting in the channel (perhaps in difficult conditions) can moor at the back of the queue. Obey the lock keeper s instructions. For both safety and efficiency reasons they may not necessarily instruct boats to enter the lock in strict order of arrival. Stop your engine once the boat is moored in the lock. Turn off radios and other music or noise. Secure your head and stern lines around the bollards. When water is rising or falling in the lock, adjust your lines to keep them fairly taut. Make sure your boat does not become caught up as the lock is emptying. Always bring your boat to a complete standstill using reverse gear not the ropes. Coil ropes ready for use. Tangled lines cause problems, especially if needed in a hurry. Use front and rear mooring lines. Never wrap a rope round any part of your body and keep hands and fingers away from bollards or cleats. Do not fend off with hands, feet or boat hooks. Do not open fuel tanks or strike matches. 7 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 8

Safety at locks Navigation Do not moor upstream of the vertical white line on the lock wall or your boat may be damaged. Be aware of bollards, steps and other tripping hazards. Do not run on the lock side or allow others to run. Keep children under close supervision. Take you time and pay attention while going through the lock. Please keep dogs on your boat, or on a lead whilst passing through the lock. Lock keepers hours of duty are displayed at locks and on page 32. When the locks are unattended, you may work them yourself, at your own risk. Some locks have power making them easier to operate (see pages 27-30). Operating instructions are posted at locks. If you are operating the lock yourself, follow these guidelines: Read and understand the operating instructions at the lock before you start. Stay close to the sluice controls whilst the sluices are in operation. Lock gates must always be properly closed before slowly opening the sluices to fill or empty the lock. After use, leave the lock empty and the gates shut, as in many cases there is a public right of way over the gates. In an emergency you should close all sluices before dealing with the situation. Emergency contact details are displayed at each lock. Navigation Rules of navigation for all boats Obey the rules of navigation and byelaws. Copies are available from our waterway offices. Steer on the right where it is safe and practical. Remember even when you have right of way it s your responsibility to avoid collision. Avoid turning your boat near bridges, bends and locks. Do not turn across the bows of oncoming boats; wait until it s safe. Respect warning signs. It is dangerous and illegal to interfere with weir gates and sluices. In and emergency call 999. Keep a sharp look out at all times for any hazards, taking action when necessary. If in doubt, slow down or STOP. Always take care when overtaking and keep clear of other boats. Near bridges or sharp bends, boats going upstream must give way to boats coming downstream. Other navigation tips Always keep a good distance from anglers on the riverbank. Avoid their tackle and create as little disturbance as possible. It is safer for unpowered boats to enter the lock last. Powered boats should slow down and maintain a steady course when approaching swimmers, divers, rowing boats, canoes and sailing boats. In times of little or no wind, sailing boats have almost no control so it is up to you to avoid them. If in doubt, clearly indicate your intention and always be ready to give way to avoid collision. 9 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 10

Navigation Navigation When approaching an event, navigate slowly and cautiously and take advice from officials or marshalls. Sailing races are usually held round a series of buoys, you should avoid these. There may be congestion near sailing clubs when dinghies gather to race which should clear within minutes. You should be prepared to STOP and proceed at a slow, steady pace when clear. When near rowing boats remember the crew of an uncoxed boat has difficulty keeping a lookout ahead, even a cox may have limited vision. For more information about events, see displays at adjacent locks or call our floodline on 0845 988 1188 and select option 1, followed by quick dial number 011133. If in a convoy, ensure there is ample space between each boat to allow good vision ahead and room to manoeuvre. Children should always be supervised. Don t let them sit in dangerous positions where a turn, change of speed or wash from another boat could toss them into the water. Children and non-swimmers should always wear life jackets. Advice for commercial users Skippers of commercial boats should look out for other river users and be aware that many people may be inexperienced or intimidated by the size of passenger boats or tugs with barges. Take care when overtaking. The size and drag of larger commercial boats can be very disturbing to smaller boats. In narrow lock cuts, remember some boats may draw up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) or more and might not be able to manoeuvre quickly. 11 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Sound signals These official sound signals are used by skippers to warn other boaters of their intentions. 1 blast going to starboard (right) 2 blasts going to port (left) 3 blasts engines are going astern 4 blasts (pause) 1 blast turning right round to starboard 4 blasts (pause) 2 blasts turning right round to port 1 long 2 short blasts unable to manoeuvre Remember them, understand them, and use them as appropriate Navigation lights When navigating between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility, you must ensure your vessel displays the correct navigation lights described below. Powered vessels: 1. A bright white light facing forward on the mast, staff at the bow, cabin top or similar. 2. A GREEN light on the starboard side. 3. A RED light on the port side. 4. A WHITE light on the stern. Unpowered vessels: An all round WHITE light or two white lights giving the same coverage. Normally British boats may only fly the Red Ensign. It is illegal to fly any other national British flag unless you have permission from the Ministry of Defence. Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 12

Navigation Navigation Maximum boat dimensions At certain times of the year parts of the Thames between Cricklade and Inglesham are only navigable by small boats. Below Lechlade the navigation channel is normally available for boats of the following approximate drafts: Lechlade to Oxford 0.9m 3 0 Oxford to Reading 1.2m 4 0 Reading to Windsor 1.3m 4 6 Windsor to Staines 1.7m 5 6 Staines to Teddington 2.0m 6 6 Overhead cables In open stretches below Oxford, cables are usually 12 metres (40 feet) above summer water level allow 4 metres (13 feet). If in doubt lower your masts or aerials. Take particular care in locks, lock cuts, back waters and reaches above Oxford, where cables may be much lower. Marking obstructions The diagram opposite shows the system of marking for shoals and other obstructions on the Thames. The four shapes of topmarks used can, triangle, sphere and two spheres are shown, together with directions for passing them safely when going upstream. When going downstream the reverse applies. Wrecks or other temporary obstructions in midstream are marked by an isolated danger buoy, which may be passed on any side. Where they must be passed on a particular side the appropriate can or triangle topmarks will be used. In all cases boats should pass well clear of a marking buoy. A large RED disk usually means the navigation arch of a bridge is closed. Note: We are not responsible for marking obstructions that lie outside the navigation channel. You must proceed with particular caution when approaching any bank or if you leave the main navigation channel. 13 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 14

Navigation Water sports and recreation advice Maintenance work on the river When maintenance work is carried out on the river, it may be necessary to moor plant and barges where they might present a hazard; always try to anticipate the unexpected. A diver s flag (International Code Flag A) indicates that divers are in the water. Yellow buoys mark dredgers anchors. Slow down and navigate past the dredger on the side showing two all-round GREEN lights or two white diamonds in a vertical line. Two allround RED lights or two RED balls in a vertical line mark the side where chains and other obstructions may exist. Allow plenty of room for tugs and barges to manoeuvre in lock cuts and other narrow channels. Laden barges need deep water and may swing wide on bends. Take care not to pass between a tug and its tow. A tug with a tow may display a flashing amber light. For information about river works and any lock closures, call our floodline on 0845 988 1188 and select option 1, followed by quick dial number 011132. Water sports and recreation advice Please read and understand the code of practice and safety rules, produced by governing bodies of each sport, before taking part (contact details on page 49). Angling Before you go fishing, you will need a valid rod licence (if you are over 12). You can pick one up at any post office, from the sales hotline on 0870 166 2662, or via www.environmentagency.gov.uk/rodlicence. Your rod licence does not give you the right to fish from the riverbank or a boat; you must have permission. Downstream of Staines, fishing is free where there is public access, upstream of Staines it is mostly private or leased to clubs which may sell day tickets on the bank. You can fish at some of our sites on the Thames with a permit (terms and conditions apply). For details, call 0118 953 5650 or see www. visitthames.co.uk/fishingforms. Observe the fishing seasons, rules and byelaws applicable to the stretch you are fishing. You cannot fish in lock cuts and approaches to locks between 15 March and 31 October inclusive. Fishing from or over lock lay-bys or in lock chambers is not allowed at any time. Take care when casting and ground baiting, always ensure the area is clear. Remember your hook, lines and ledger weights can be dangerous. Beware of fishing near overhead electric cables. Contact or close proximity between cable and rod may cause fatal injury. Discard tackle with care as fishing hooks and nylon line are dangerous to birds and animals. 15 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 16

Water sports and recreation advice Water sports and recreation advice The use of lead shot (between the weights of 0.06g and 28.35g) for fishing is prohibited use lead free alternatives. If fishing at vacant recognised mooring places, please be prepared to move if a boat wishes to moor. All boats have a right to navigate the full width of the river. Be aware, you could be hidden from view by bankside vegetation and boats may accidentally carry away your line. If fishing from a boat, take care not to obstruct the main navigation channel and do not fish from a moving boat. Camping and picnicking There are over 20 campsites along the river, some can be found at the following lock sites: Rushey, Pinkhill, Eynsham, Day s, Hurley and Cookham. There are also many picnic sites. For further details, see www.visitthames.co.uk. Please do not camp or light fires without permission. Please do not put portable barbecues on picnic tables. Please take your litter home. Canoeing Always wear buoyancy aids or life jackets, and helmets when in white water. You should preferably have had formal instruction, be able to swim and adhere to the British Canoe Union Code of Practice. If on the water at dusk, after sunset or in restricted visibility, light coloured tops should be worn and an all round WHITE light or two WHITE lights covering 360 degrees must be displayed. Some weirs and sluice gates provide ideal conditions for white water canoeing. Other weirs are dangerous and must not be used. If in doubt, consult the local waterway office. Do not canoe just above weirs or try to shoot them. Keep clear of sailing boats, motor cruisers and rowing boats particularly when racing or coaching is taking place. Remember it is difficult for rowers to see canoes. Do not follow behind larger boats or get in their way by suddenly altering course, particularly in narrow waters. Remember larger boats are less manoeuvrable and canoes can use much shallower water. It is safer for canoes to enter the lock last. You can avoid the lock by using canoe portage. Rowing and sculling Be aware of other users and change speed and direction as necessary to avoid incident. If you choose to row in strong stream conditions stay away from weirs, obstructions and bridges, especially whilst turning around. At such times a rescue boat should be in attendance. If on the water at dusk, after sunset or in restricted visibility, light coloured tops should be worn and an all round WHITE light or two WHITE lights covering 360 degrees must be displayed. Remember the cox is always in charge and is the master of the boat. 17 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 18

Water sports and recreation advice Water sports and recreation advice When overtaking other boats, remember to keep a clear distance. Do not turn across the bow of oncoming boats, wait until it is safe. Remember it is difficult for other users to see fast moving rowing boats, which lie low in the water. When visiting stretches of the river other than those you use for training, ascertain and comply with the code of practice of local clubs before taking out any boat. It is safer for rowing boats to enter the lock last. Unless intending to use the lock, please keep away from its approaches Sailing and boardsailing Be aware of other users and change speed and direction as necessary to avoid incident, especially when tacking. Keep clear of weirs and busy channels. If on the water at dusk, after sunset or in restricted visibility, light coloured tops should be worn and an all round WHITE light or two WHITE lights covering 360 degrees must be displayed. Buoyancy aids or life jackets should be worn at all times. 19 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Diving All diving activities must have prior written approval from the local waterway office, who will advise on how to mark the diving area with suitable marker buoys. Warn other river users you are below the surface, either by flying the diving flag (International Code Flag A) or by displaying a similarly painted board visible to upstream and downstream traffic. Mark diving boats so you, your club and activity can be easily identified. Never leave a support boat unattended when diving is in progress and never dive alone or without a proper support crew. You should have had formal instruction and should always adhere to the British Sub-Aqua Club Code of Practice. Racing If you are holding a racing event on the river, please contact your local waterway office in advance (contact details on page 47). They will give you conditions and advice for setting up and running your event. These tips should also help you: Lay starting lines where they cannot cause trouble to passing traffic. Sailing marks should not be placed near locks, lock cuts, marinas, fuel wharfs, passenger boat landing stages or narrow and shallow places. The length of the start line must allow a clear route for boats proceeding up and down the river. A navigable channel should be available for non-racing boats. Keep the time between warning and starting signals to a minimum. Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 20

Water sports and recreation advice Motorised boats When there are several starts in succession, allow an interval between races. During this interval, boats intending to race should avoid congregating in the starting area to allow other boats to proceed and avoids delays. Control the number of boats racing at any one time, and the areas they occupy. Novices should keep out of busy channels. Swimming and paddling Do not jump or dive into the river from any bridge, bank, boat or other structure. It is dangerous to you and also any boats passing by. Do not swim near moving boats, they cannot stop dead and need room to manoeuvre. Propellers are very dangerous. Do not swim around moored boats, fallen logs or blind corners. Do not swim where there is a strong current and keep away from weirs and pools. Do not swim in locks, lock cuts, narrow channels or cuttings. Do not attempt to swim across the river, it is wider and colder than you think. If children are swimming or paddling, always watch them carefully as river depth varies suddenly and wash from boats can cause them to fall over. As there may be sharp objects on the riverbed, it is advisable to wear bathing shoes. Airbeds or inflated rubber tubes can easily float or be blown into deep water where sudden loss of buoyancy could be disastrous. Walking and cycling There are many rights of way along the river please use them responsibly. Prevent young children from wandering near the river s edge. Keep your dog under control and clean up after it. At lock sites, keep it on a lead. Cyclists have no right to ride on the towpath although in some urban areas (e.g. Oxford, Reading and London) it is customary. Walkers always have priority over cyclists who should give way accordingly. Cyclists should dismount at lock sites. Outside towns, stiles and gates make cycling impractical. The Thames Path National Trail runs the length of the Thames from its source near Kemble to the Thames Barrier at Greenwich. For more information contact the National Trails Office or see www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath. Motorised boats General information All skippers should have some training in handling their boat and ensure at least one other person on board knows how to handle it and where the emergency equipment is located. The only lavatories approved for boats on the freshwater Thames are self-contained chemical types or those that discharge into holding tanks. Those capable of discharging overboard must be sealed by a member of Waterway staff. Sealing is undertaken without charge by arrangement with any waterway office or at Teddington Lock. 21 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 22

Motorised boats Motorised boats AVOID POLLUTION. It is an offence to discharge sewage, or any other matter likely to cause pollution into the river or to leave rubbish on the banks. It should be containerised and taken to an authorised disposal site (see pages 27-30 for sewage and rubbish disposal at locks). Oil contaminated bilge water is a pollutant and must on no account be pumped into the river. It should be containerised and taken to an authorised disposal site. Call 08708 506 506 to find the location of your nearest used-oil recycling plant. Take care when refuelling, especially with petrol (petrol vapour is heavier than air and does not readily disperse if there is a spillage or a leak). Before refuelling, switch off your engine and extinguish all cigarettes and naked flames. Ensure all cooking, heating and lighting appliances are turned off. To ensure the fuel system is not overfilling, monitor the fuel level carefully. Any portable fuel tank connected to an outboard motor must be removed from the boat for filling. Mop up any spillage and ventilate the boat before starting the engine or using naked flames. You are recommended to have public liability and third party insurance. Essential equipment Fire extinguishers must be carried. The number depends on the size of the boat (contact the Boat Safety Scheme for details). A horn or whistle must be fitted to all motor boats. An anchor is your lifeline, carry at least one, preferably two. You may need to use them if your engine or steering gear fails. Your anchor should always be accessible. When anchoring 23 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames with chain cable use at least three times the depth of water. If using synthetic warp, use about five times the depth. We recommend you carry a first aid box, have some basic first aid knowledge and learn how to cope in an emergency. Bilge pumps or balers for emptying water from your boat should be carried. You should have at least two mooring lines (front and back). The minimum length should be 7 metres. Always carry a life jacket or buoyancy aid for every person on board. Once aboard Wear suitable footwear with non-slip soles. Always use grab rails when moving around the boat, and never run. Children should always be supervised. Don t let them sit in positions where a turn, change of speed or wash from another boat could toss them into the water. Life jackets or buoyancy aids should always be worn by children and non-swimmers and by everybody in adverse weather conditions. When underway Speeding is dangerous and illegal. The maximum speed limit is 8 km per hour (approx. 5 mph), equivalent to a fast walking pace. Unlike a car, a boat will not stop in seconds so needs a longer stopping time. Accidents occur more frequently at high speeds, particularly from wash. Keep a check on your wash, it is often sensible to stop briefly to allow it to settle to an acceptable level. Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 24

Motorised boats Motorised boats All moving boats create wash, some more than others depending on their shape. Excessive wash can: endanger people damage moored boats harm wildlife endanger swimmers cause accidents in galleys swamp small boats damage river banks interfere with angling Wash will be increased when in convoy, even at a slow speed. Do not travel in a convoy if the resultant wash is too great. Do not let time rule your journey. It is an offence to navigate without care and caution, or in a manner likely to endanger the safety of others or the banks of the river. Boating under the influence of drink or drugs is an offence. So think ahead and slow down to avoid accidents Anchoring and mooring In general, boats have a right to anchor in the Thames for up to 24 hours in any one place provided no obstruction is caused to the navigation channel. Always respect private rights and, when in doubt, obtain permission from the owner of the bank before mooring up. Place mooring stakes well back from the bank edge and make sure they do not cause a hazard to passers-by. Gaps between boats are wasteful so please share rings or posts where possible. Moor alongside other boats where possible to maximise mooring space. You may land on or embark from the towpath, but there is no right to moor up to private towpath property without the landowners consent. When stopping overnight or leaving your boat for any considerable time, do not moor in shallow water or with a tight rope or chain as water levels may fluctuate by as much as 1 metre in a few hours. If the level drops and your boat is beached or moored in shallow water, it may be damaged. If the level rises, and mooring ropes or chains are tight, your boat may take on water, be pulled under or break free. 25 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 26

Lock facilities and dimensions Lock facilities and dimensions Part 2 Structures, facilities and services Key Chemical toilet disposal Sewage pump-out Refuse disposal Water hose provided for bulk supplies Drinking water tap for Electric charging point portable containers only Toilet/s Camping Showers Accessible toilet/s Recycling facilities Note: water supplies in sanitary stations are unfit for drinking Lock facilities and dimensions in metres (feet and inches given in brackets) Lock Facilities Length Width Depth Depth Fall Telephone upper sill lower sill St John s 33.60(110 3 ) 4.52(14 10 ) 1.32(4 4 ) 1.32(4 4 ) 0.85(2 10 ) 01367 252309 Buscot 33.47(109 10 ) 4.47(14 8 ) 1.98(6 6 ) 1.47(4 10 ) 1.69(5 7 ) 01367 252434 Grafton 34.59(113 6 ) 4.59(15 1 ) 1.67(5 6 ) 1.44(4 9 ) 1.11(3 8 ) 01367 810251 Radcot 34.59(113 6 ) 4.57(15 0 ) 1.49(4 11 ) 1.54(5 1 ) 1.48(4 10 ) 01367 240676 Rushey 34.59(113 6 ) 4.59(15 1 ) 1.67(5 6 ) 1.52(5 0 ) 1.82(6 0 ) 01367 870218 Shifford 34.64(113 8 ) 4.59(15 1 ) 1.67(5 6 ) 1.60(5 3 ) 2.23(7 4 ) 01367 870247 Northmoor 34.59(113 6 ) 4.59(15 1 ) 1.65(5 5 ) 1.44(4 9 ) 1.24(4 1 ) 01865 862923 Pinkhill 34.59(113 6 ) 4.90(16 1 ) 1.67(5 6 ) 1.62(5 4 ) 1.05(3 6 ) 01865 881452 Eynsham 34.51(113 3 ) 4.97(16 4 ) 1.65(5 5 ) 1.72(5 8 ) 0.84(2 9 ) 01865 881324 King s 34.46(113 1 ) 4.97(16 4 ) 1.67(5 6 ) 1.67(5 6 ) 0.77(2 6 ) 01865 553403 *Godstow 33.52(110 0 ) 4.95(16 3 ) 1.52(5 0 ) 1.62(5 4 ) 1.57(5 2 ) 01865 554784 *Osney 34.64(113 8 ) 5.25(17 3 ) 2.74(9 0 ) 2.10(6 11 ) 1.89(6 3 ) 01865 247050 Iffley 46.96(154 1 ) 6.47(21 3 ) 2.26(7 5 ) 2.26(7 5 ) 0.81(2 8 ) 01865 777277 *Sandford 53.03(174 0 ) 6.62(21 9 ) 2.31(7 7 ) 2.31(7 7 ) 2.69(8 10 ) 01865 775889 *Abingdon 36.57(120 0 ) 5.71(18 9 ) 2.64(8 8 ) 1.52(5 0 ) 1.89(6 2 ) 01235 523044 * Culham 39.87(130 10 ) 5.33(17 6 ) 2.41(7 11 ) 1.62(5 4 ) 2.41(7 11 ) 01235 522061 *Clifton 39.57(129 10 ) 5.79(19 0 ) 2.36(7 0 ) 1.75(5 9 ) 1.03(3 5 ) 01865 407821 * Day s 46.93(154 10 ) 6.45(21 2 ) 2.26(7 5 ) 1.93(6 4 ) 1.58(5 2 ) 01865 407768 * Benson 40.56(133 1 ) 5.46(17 11 ) 2.23(7 4 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 1.87(6 2 ) 01491 835255 *Cleeve 40.71(133 7 ) 5.53(18 2 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 2.22(7 3 ) 0.89(2 11 ) 01491 872608 *Goring 54.68(179 5 ) 6.40(21 0 ) 2.97(9 9 ) 2.56(8 5 ) 1.77(5 10 ) 01491 872687 Whitchurch 41.22(135 3 ) 5.48(18 0 ) 1.85(6 1 ) 1.93(6 4 ) 1.01(3 4 ) 0118 984 2448 *Mapledurham 61.69(202 5 ) 6.42(21 1 ) 2.18(7 2 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 2.05(6 9 ) 0118 941 7776 Table continued overleaf * Power available out of lock staff hours Open Summer 2009 27 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 28

Lock facilities and dimensions Lock facilities and dimensions Lock facilities and dimensions in metres (feet and inches given in brackets) continued Lock Facilities Length Width Depth Depth Fall Telephone upper sill lower sill *Caversham 40.03(131 4 ) 5.46(17 11 ) 1.82(6 0 ) 1.88(6 2 ) 1.44(4 9 ) 0118 957 5764 Blake s 37.39(122 8 ) 5.75(18 11 ) 1.80(5 11 ) 1.63(5 5 ) 1.07(3 6 ) 0118 957 2251 *Sonning 47.57(156 1 ) 5.46(17 11 ) 2.00(6 7 ) 1.93(6 4 ) 1.63(5 4 ) 0118 969 3992 * Shiplake 40.64(133 4 ) 5.56(18 3 ) 1.98(6 6 ) 1.90(6 3 ) 1.55(5 1 ) 0118 940 3350 *Marsh 41.19(135 2 ) 6.42(21 1 ) 2.18(7 2 ) 2.18(7 2 ) 1.33(4 4 ) 01491 572992 *Hambleden glass only 61.00(198 3 ) 7.70(25 0 ) 2.20(7 3 ) 2.20(7 3 ) 1.44(4 9 ) 01491 571269 * Hurley 39.82(130 8 ) 6.07(19 11 ) 1.88(6 2 ) 1.88(6 2 ) 1.05(3 5 ) 01628 824334 * Temple 41.02(134 7 ) 5.46(17 11 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 2.10(6 11 ) 1.23(4 1 ) 01628 824333 Marlow 46.10(151 3 ) 6.07(19 11 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 1.95(6 5 ) 2.16(7 1 ) 01628 482867 * Cookham 55.77(183 0 ) 7.62(25 0 ) 2.51(8 3 ) 2.48(8 2 ) 1.30(4 3 ) 01628 520752 *Boulter s 60.80(199 6 ) 6.47(21 3 ) 3.12(10 3 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 2.39(7 10 ) 01628 624205 *Bray 40.94(134 4 ) 5.46(17 11 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 1.46(4 9 ) 01628 621650 *Boveney 45.59(149 7 ) 5.43(17 10 ) 2.38(7 10 ) 2.13(7 0 ) 1.47(4 10 ) 01753 862764 *Romney 78.50(257 7 ) 7.45(24 5 ) 2.83(9 3 ) 2.62(8 7 ) 2.01(6 7 ) 01753 860296 *Old Windsor 54.55(179 0 ) 7.36(24 2 ) 2.48(8 2 ) 2.54(8 4 ) 1.74(5 9 ) 01753 861822 *Bell Weir 78.51(257 7 ) 7.44(24 5 ) 2.61(8 7 ) 2.61(8 7 ) 1.82(6 0 ) 01784 432333 *Penton Hook 81.28(266 8 ) 7.56(24 10 ) 2.74(9 0 ) 2.56(8 5 ) 1.22(4 0 ) 01784 452657 *Chertsey 61.16(200 8 ) 6.40(21 0 ) 2.66(8 9 ) 2.46(8 9 ) 1.22(4 0 ) 01932 562208 *Shepperton 53.16(174 5 ) 6.04(19 10 ) 2.43(8 0 ) 2.59(8 6 ) 2.03(6 8 ) 01932 221840 Sunbury Old 47.15(154 8 ) 5.86(19 3 ) 3.07(10 1 ) 2.26(7 5 ) 1.87(6 2 ) 01932 782089 *Sunbury New 62.78(206 0 ) 7.41(24 4 ) 2.76(9 1 ) 2.48(8 2 ) 1.87(6 2 ) 01932 782089 *Molesey 81.78(268 4 ) 7.56(24 10 ) 2.84(9 4 ) 2.41(7 11 ) 1.85(6 1 ) 020 8979 4482 Teddington Barge 198.12(650 0 ) 7.54(24 9 ) 3.15(10 4 ) 2.61(8 7 ) 2.68(8 10 ) 020 8940 8723 Teddington 54.22(177 11 ) 7.41(24 4 ) 4.26(14 0 ) 2.79(9 2 ) 2.68(8 10 ) 020 8940 8723 Launch Teddington Skiff 15.08(49 6 ) 1.77(5 10 ) 1.09(3 7 ) 1.34(4 5 ) 2.68(8 10 ) 020 8940 8723 *Power available outside lock staff hours, including lunchtimes (excludes 22.00 07.00) See the notes for this table on page 27 29 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Beam locks: St John s King s and Blake s Lock (River Thames Kennet Branch) Hydraulic locks: Godstow Teddington Open Summer 2009 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 30

Lock facilities and dimensions Lock keepers hours of duty A note for the previous table These figures are for guidance only and may vary with water levels and for other reasons. When considering the length of boat to navigate through the lock, allow 3 metres (10 feet) for the closing of the lower gates. The measurements in the tables are: Length: length of lock between heel posts Width: minimum width of lock between walls or rubbing piles Depth on upper sill: taken at standard head water level Depth on lower sill: taken from standard head water lever of the lock below, no allowance is made for the gradient of the intermediate reach Fall: fall from standard head water level to that of the lock below, again, not allowing for river gradient Sewage pump-outs All sewage pump-outs work on a pre-paid card system. Cards are available at locks adjacent to the pump-outs. Recharging fluid is not provided. Electric charging points The charging point is a 240 volt outdoor weatherproof round 3 pin female connection. To use a charging point, please contact the lock keeper before 4pm on the day you wish to use it to reserve a mooring for your boat. Toilets Some of the toilets are only available during lock keepers hours of duty. Some toilets may be a short walk from the lockside. Lock keepers hours of duty We aim to staff our locks during the following hours but you are advised to check with the notices displayed at each lock. January March 09.15-16.00* April 09.00-17.30 May 09.00-18.30 June August 09.00-19.00 September 09.00-18.00** October 09.00-17.00 November December 09.15-16.00 Teddington Lock provides 24-hour service throughout the year. For information on Blake s Lock, see page 37. Lock keepers lunch is 13.00-14.00. * When Easter falls in March: 09.00-17.30 Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive ** 09.00-18.30 Saturday and Sunday For information on lock closures, call our floodline on 0845 988 1188 and select option 1, followed by quick dial number 011132. 31 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 32

Public short-stay moorings Public slipways and launching sites Public short-stay moorings We provide the following free sites for short stay moorings. Noticeboards at these sites indicate the length of mooring. Lechlade Riverside Bablockhythe towpath upstream of The Ferryman Inn Pinkhill towpath above Pinkhill lock Eynsham towpath above and below Eynsham Lock Oxford towpath at East Street Abingdon towpath above Abingdon Lock Goring towpath below Goring Bridge Reading towpath at Kennet Mouth Sonning towpath above Sonning Lock Wargrave towpath at Lower Lashbrook below Wargrave Marlow towpath below Marlow Lock Boveney towpath above Boveney Lock Egham towpath below Runnymede Pleasure Ground Staines towpath below Staines Bridge Laleham towpath at Laleham Wharf Chertsey towpath at Dumsey Bend, between Chertsey and Shepperton Weybridge towpath opposite Shepperton Lock Shepperton Church Square Desborough Desborough Island (old River) Walton towpath at Walton Kingston Kingston Wharf Kingston Steven s Eyot below Kingston Note: Fishing from the bank at these sites is not allowed between 1 March and 31 October. 33 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Public slipways and launching sites You may launch your boat at the following sites, but there is not necessarily a right or space to park a car or a boat trailer. *Lechlade Bell Lane (Launching site only) *Abingdon St Helen s Wharf Abingdon Abingdon Marina Cholsey Papist Way *South Stoke Ferry Lane Pangbourne Ferry Lane *Whitchurch Toll Bridge Caversham Caversham Bridge Wargrave Ferry Lane Henley Wharf Lane Aston Ferry Ferry Lane Hambleden Ferry Ferry Lane (Launching site only) Medmenham Medmenham Ferry Marlow St Peter s Street Cookham Cookham Bridge (by Ferry Inn) Bray Bray Village Windsor Leisure Centre Staines Truss s Island, Chertsey Lane Laleham Ferry Lane Weybridge Thames Street Shepperton Church Square Walton Cowley Sale Sunbury Lower Hampton Road West Molesey Hurst Park East Molesey Drawdock Thames Ditton by Swan Hotel Teddington Drawdock * access for small boats only. Note: These sites are not necessarily suitable for large or heavy boats and trailers. We have highlighted the ones where access is for small boats only but if in doubt you are advised to investigate further before you use it. Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 34

Commercial sewage pump-outs Connecting waterways Commercial sewage pump-outs The following sewage pump-out stations are in private management and usually only available from April to October. You should contact individual owners about hours of operation. There may be some delay at busy hire cruiser bases while the fleet is being serviced. Eynsham Oxford Cruisers (01865 881698) Oxford Osney Marina (01865 241348) Abingdon Kingcraft (01235 521125) Benson Swancraft (01491 836700) Reading Bridge Boats, Fry s Island (0118 959 0346) Reading Caversham Boat Services, Fry s Island (0118 957 4323) Bourne End Bourne End Marina (01628 522813) Windsor Windsor Marina (01753 853911) Datchet Kris Cruisers (01753 543930) Egham AC Marine (01784 477999) Penton Hook Penton Hook Marina (01932 568681) Chertsey Chertsey Meads Marine (01932 564699) Walton Walton Marina (01603 717804) Shepperton Shepperton Marina (01932 243722) Thames Ditton Thames Ditton Marina (020 8398 6159) Sewage pump-out stations can be identified by this sign. Connecting waterways The following waterways connect with the Thames. Contact details for the relevant navigation authorities can be found at the back of this guide. Oxford Canal (British Waterways): leads to the Midlands and the rest of the waterway system. You can enter from the Thames at Sheepwash Channel above Osney Bridge or via Dukes Cut above Kings Weir. All visiting boats must be licensed with British Waterways before entering the waterway. River Thames Kennet Branch (Environment Agency): leads to the Kennet and Avon. You can enter from the Thames downstream from Caversham Lock. Kennet and Avon (British Waterways): leads to the Port of Bristol. You can enter via the Environment Agency s River Thames Kennet Branch in Reading. All visiting boats must be licensed with British Waterways before entering the waterway. River Wey (National Trust Wey Navigation): leads to Guildford and Godalming. You can enter from the Thames at Weybridge. All visiting boats must be licensed with the National Trust before entering the waterway. Grand Union Canal (British Waterways): leads to Birmingham. You can enter from the Thames at Brentford or Limehouse via the Regent Canal. All boats must be licensed with British Waterways before entering the waterway. Tidal River Thames (Port of London Authority): leads to the Thames Estuary. You can enter downstream of Teddington Lock. For more information contact the Port of London Authority. 35 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 36

Connecting waterways Connecting waterways River Thames Kennet Branch This short waterway leading from the Thames to the Kennet and Avon (British Waterways) in the centre of Reading is also within the Environment Agency s navigation jurisdiction. Any boats registered on the Thames with the Environment Agency can use this section of waterway for no extra charge. The recommended maximum draft of boats is 1 metre (3 3 ), and headways of bridges over the navigation channel are given in the distance table opposite. When entering from the Thames reduce speed and keep a sharp lookout for other boats. The towpath side of the river is frequently not as deep as it looks, so steer well clear of the towpath bank and allow other boats to do the same. Dimensions of Blake s Lock are given on pages 29-30. This lock is not regularly staffed but you are welcome to operate it yourself, at your own risk. Please leave the lock emptying or empty when the gates close. Table of distances and headways on the River Thames Kennet Branch Grid references Distance between places Headways kms miles metres feet Upstream limit of the Environment Agency s Navigation Jurisdiction SU 71842 73312 0.01 0.01 Queen s Road footbridge SU 71903 73314 0.36 0.22 3.00 9 11 Watlington Bridge SU 72205 73350 0.11 0.07 2.95 9 8 King s Road Bridge SU 72306 73376 0.47 0.29 2.90 9 6 Blake s Lock SU 72733 73532 0.39 0.24 Railway Bridge SU 73026 73732 0.05 0.03 6.20 20 4 Gas Mains SU 73050 73772 0.05 0.03 4.77 15 8 Railway Bridge SU 73058 73811 0.06 0.04 6.70 22 0 Kennet Mouth and River Thames SU 73077 73868 0.00 37 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 38

Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk The journey times shown are for guidance only. Times are between the lock indicated and the lock downstream. If travelling upstream please read the time from the lock you are travelling towards. Headways are measured above standard head water level of the lock below and at the highest point of the span or arch, therefore the measures given in this table are for guidance only. Location Distance to next lock downstream Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h Headways kms miles minutes metres feet Cricklade Bridge (SU 10137 93973) 18.88 11.73 Round House (SU 20517 98879) (Thames and Severn Canal closed) Halfpenny Bridge, Lechlade (SU 21334 99338) 4.73 15 6 *St Johns Lock (SU 22216 99042) 1.85 1.15 15 St Johns Bridge (SU 22282 99001) 4.22 13 10 Bloomers Hole footbridge (SU 22627 98815) 3.50 11 6 *Buscot Lock (SU 23016 98092) 5.37 3.34 41 Eaton footbridge (SU 24659 98543) 2.97 9 9 *Grafton Lock (SU 27146 99233) 2.98 1.85 23 *Radcot Bridge (SU 28531 99493) 3.45 11 4 *Radcot Lock (SP 29649 00199) 4.23 2.63 32 Old Man s footbridge (SP 29945 00193) 4.27 14 0 *Rushey Lock (SP 32301 00075) 6.92 4.30 52 *Tadpole Bridge (SP 33462 00424) 4.52 14 10 Tenfoot footbridge (SU 35363 99586) 3.71 12 2 Shifford Lock Cut Bridge (SP 36681 00823) 3.66 12 0 *Shifford Lock (SP 37049 01064) 7.63 4.74 58 *Newbridge (SP 40362 01393) 3.50 11 6 Hart s footbridge (SP 42015 01047) 3.27 10 9 *Northmoor Lock (SP 43143 02137) 6.21 3.86 47 *Pinkhill Lock (SP 44063 07130) 2.38 1.48 18 Swinford Bridge (SP 44306 08605) 4.49 14 9 *Eynsham Lock (SP 44471 08649) 4.37 2.71 33 *King s Lock (SP 47901 10267) (Dukes cut junction with Oxford Canal) 1.81 1.13 14 Oxford Western By-pass Bridge (SP 48172 09362) 4.11 13 6 Godstow Bridge (SP 48402 09210) 2.56 8 5 *Godstow Lock (SP 48509 08945) 3.87 2.40 30 Medley footbridge (SP 49761 07480) 3.05 10 10 Table continued overleaf 39 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames * Rendezvous points Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 40

Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk continued Location Distance to next lock downstream Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h Headways kms miles minutes metres feet Sheepwash Channel (to Oxford Canal) (SP 50353 06568) Osney Bridge (SP 50313 06232) 2.28 7 6 *Osney Lock (SP 50359 05861) 3.73 2.32 28 *Osney Railway Bridge (SP 50700 05623) 3.55 11 8 Road Bridge (SP 50942 05521) 3.71 12 2 Grandpont Bridge (SP 51134 05624) 3.91 12 10 *Folly Bridge (SP 51437 05556) 3.12 10 3 Donnington Bridge (SP 52432 04367) 5.03 16 6 *Iffley Lock (SP 52574 03667) 2.70 1.68 21 *Isis Bridge (SP 52492 03191) 5.03 16 6 Kennington Railway Bridge (SP 52442 02755) 4.11 13 6 *Sandford Lock (SP 53105 01336) 7.38 4.58 56 Nuneham Railway Bridge (SU 52597 97003) 4.80 15 9 *Abingdon Lock (SU 50646 97113) 4.15 2.58 32 *Abingdon Bridge (SU 49950 96860) 4.24 13 11 Culham Lock Cut Bridge (SU 50367 94770) 3.78 12 5 *Culham Lock (SU 50767 94872) 4.52 2.72 34 Culham Road Bridge (SU 50868 94899) 4.49 14 9 Appleford Railway Bridge (SU 52662 94165) 3.96 13 0 Clifton Lock Cut Bridge (SU 54490 94398) 4.06 13 4 *Clifton Lock (SU 54699 94720) 4.80 3.07 36 *Clifton Hampden Bridge (SU 54714 95384) 4.09 13 5 *Day s Lock (SU 56882 93586 ) 6.37 3.96 48 Day s footbridge (SU 56827 93468) 4.64 15 3 Shillingford Bridge (SU 59660 92050) 5.26 17 3 *Benson Lock (SU 61303 91263) 10.46 6.50 1hr 19 *Wallingford Bridge (SU 60816 88098) 5.00 16 5 *Wallingford By-pass Bridge (SU 60812 88096) 5.10 16 9 Moulsford Railway Bridge (SU 59537 84714) 6.60 21 8 *Cleeve Lock (SU 60064 81820) 1.00 0.62 8 *Goring Lock (SU 59679 80876) 6.55 4.07 50 Goring Bridge (SU 59658 80794) 5.15 16 11 Table continued overleaf 41 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames * Rendezvous points Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 42

Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk continued Location Distance to next lock downstream Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h Headways kms miles minutes metres feet Gatehampton Railway Bridge (SU 60615 79545) 6.96 22 10 *Whitchurch Lock (SU 63438 76828) 3.67 2.28 28 Whitchurch Bridge (SU 63614 76837) 4.14 13 7 *Mapledurham Lock (SU 66756 76803) 7.08 4.40 54 Caversham Bridge (SU 71146 74579) 4.57 15 0 Reading Bridge (SU 71800 74059 5.38 17 8 *Caversham Lock (SU 72063 74033) 4.23 2.63 32 River Kennet (SU 73077 73868) (Blake s Lock Kennet and Avon Canal) *Sonning Lock (SU 25244 75439) 4.68 2.91 36 Sonning Bridge (SU 75530 75750) Under Tie Plates 4.41 14 2 *Shiplake Lock (SU 77647 78675) 4.80 2.59 36 Shiplake Railway Bridge (SU 77971 78716) 5.43 17 10 *Marsh Lock (SU 77408 81668) 4.59 3.24 35 Henley Bridge (SU 76367 82643) 4.34 14 3 *Hambleden Lock (SU 78206 85157) 5.89 3.66 45 Hurley Upper Towpath Bridge (SU 82507 84183) 3.98 13 1 *Hurley Lock (SU 82671 84257) 1.03 0.64 8 Hurley Lower Towpath Bridge (SU 82897 84321) 4.39 14 5 Temple Bridge (SU 83505 84304) 6.51 21 3 *Temple Lock (SU 83717 84374) 3.13 1.95 24 Marlow Bridge (SU 85123 86095) 3.86 12 8 *Marlow Lock (SU 85432 86093) 6.44 4.00 49 Marlow Bypass Bridge (SU 85912 85993) 6.02 19 9 Bourne End Railway Bridge (SU 89201 87020) 4.72 15 6 Cookham Bridge (SU 89795 85617) 4.62 15 2 Cookham Lock Cut Bridge (SU 90373 85619) 3.81 12 6 *Cookham Lock (SU 90550 85516) 3.35 2.08 26 *Boulter s Lock (SU 90285 82391) 3.43 2.13 26 Boulters Lock Bridge (SU 90294 82352) 5.26 17 3 Maidenhead Bridge (SU 90139 81358) 5.66 18 7 Maidenhead Railway Bridge (SU 90189 81050) 9.80 32 2 *Bray Lock (SU 91007 79769) 5.10 3.17 39 Table continued overleaf 43 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames * Rendezvous points Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 44

Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways Table of distances and headways above Teddington Boundary Obelisk continued Location Distance to next lock downstream Time to lock downstream at 8 km/h Headways kms miles minutes metres feet M4 Motorway Bridge (SU 91294 79484) 7.77 25 6 Summer Leaze Bridge (SU 91610 78694) 7.30 24 0 *Boveney Lock (SU 94456 77767) 3.75 2.33 29 Windsor Bypass Bridge (SU 96725 77244) 6.25 20 6 Windsor Railway Bridge (SU 96056 77337) 5.41 17 9 Windsor Bridge (SU 96726 77244) 4.01 13 2 *Romney Lock (SU 97002 77872 ) 4.83 3.00 37 Black Pott s Railway Bridge (SU 97483 78002) 5.94 19 6 Victoria Bridge (SU 97893 77484) 6.17 20 3 Albert Bridge (SU 98430 75645) 5.69 18 8 Old Windsor Lock Cut Bridge (SU 99254 75134) 4.34 14 3 *Old Windsor Lock (SU 99494 74819) 4.94 2.92 36 *Bell Weir Lock (TQ 01732 72062) 4.33 2.84 35 Runnymede (M25) Bridge (TQ 01930 71959) 7.01 23 0 Staines Bridge (TQ 03190 71518) 5.94 19 6 *Staines Railway Bridge (TQ 03591 71232) 6.40 21 0 *Penton Hook Lock (TQ 04390 69487) 3.13 1.95 24 M3 Motorway Bridge (TQ 05397 67202) 6.50 21 4 *Chertsey Lock (TQ 05427 66839) 3.32 2.06 25 Chertsey Bridge (TQ 05409 66625) 5.82 19 1 *Shepperton Lock (TQ 07334 65899) 4.75 2.95 36 River Wey (to Basingstoke Canal) (TQ 07419 65703) Desborough Channel Upper Bridge (TQ 07954 65967) 5.18 17 0 Desborough Channel Lower Bridge (TQ 08905 66139) 5.18 17 0 Walton Bridge (TQ 09263 66554) 5.56 18 3 Sunbury Lock Cut Bridge (TQ 10809 68432) 5.94 19 6 *Sunbury Lock (TQ 10967 68546) 4.79 2.98 36 *Molesey Lock (TQ 15146 68606) 7.74 4.81 59 Hampton Court Bridge (TQ 15393 68488) 5.92 19 5 *Kingston Bridge (TQ 18020 69728) 7.29 23 11 Kingston Railway Bridge (TQ 17730 69634) 6.81 22 4 Teddington Lock Cut Bridge (TQ 16773 71532) 5.58 18 4 *Teddington Lock (TQ 16609 71631) 0.39 0.24 Teddington Boundary Obelisk (TQ 16360 71912) * Rendezvous points 45 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 46

Useful contacts Useful contacts Useful contacts Environment Agency Thames Waterway Department (central office) Kings Meadow House Kings Meadow Road Reading RG1 8DQ General Enquiries: 08708 506 506 Craft Registration: 0118 953 5650 Email: visitthames@environment-agency.gov.uk Web: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/navigation www.visitthames.co.uk River Conditions and Strong Stream Warnings Floodline 0845 988 1188 Recorded information and advice: you will need to select option 1, followed by quick dial number 011131. www.visitthames.co.uk/riverconditons. Environment Agency Incident Hotline Freephone 0800 807060 to report flooding, pollution, fish deaths or other environment issues. British Waterways Tel: 01923 201120 Email: enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk Web: www.britishwaterways.co.uk Boat Safety Scheme Tel: 01923 201278 Email: bss.enquiries@boatssafetyscheme.com Web: www.boatsafetyscheme.com National Trust Wey Navigation Tel: 01483 561389 Email: riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk Port of London Authority Tel: 01474 562200 Web: www.pla.co.uk Office of Communications (Radiocommunications) Tel: 020 7981 3000 Email: contact@ofcom.org.uk Web: www.ofcom.org.uk Maritime and Coastguard Agency Tel: 0870 600 6505 Email: infoline@mcga.gov.uk Web: www.mcga.gov.uk Ministry of Defence Tel: 020 7218 9000 Web: www.mod.uk The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Tel: 0121 248 2000 Email: help@rospa.com Web: www.rospa.com Metropolitan Police Wapping Control Tel: 020 7275 4421 Thames Valley Police Tel: 0845 850 5505 Email: webmaster@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk Web: www.thamesvalley.police.uk Sport England Tel: 020 7273 1551 Email: info@sportengland.org Web: www.sportengland.org 47 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 48

Useful contacts Useful contacts Royal Yachting Association Tel: 0845 345 0400 Email: info@rya.org.uk Web: www.rya.org.uk Amateur Rowing Association Tel: 020 8237 6700 Email: info@ara-rowing.org Web: www.ara-rowing.org National Association of Boat Owners Email: gen.sec@nabo.org.uk Web: www.nabo.org.uk The Swan Sanctuary Tel: 01932 240790 Web: www.swanuk.org.uk British Canoe Union Tel: 0845 370 9500 Email: info@bcu.org.uk Web: www.bcu.org.uk Sustrans Tel: 0845 113 0065 Email: info@sustrans.org.uk Web: www.sustrans.org.uk British Sub-Aqua Club Tel: 0151 350 6200 Email: postmaster@bsac.com Web: www.bsac.com Natural England Tel: 0114 241 8920 Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk Web: www.naturalengland.org.uk National Trails Office Tel: 01865 810224 Email: thames.path@oxfordshire.gov.uk Web: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath Residential Boat Owners Association Email: chairman@rboa.org.uk Web: www.rboa.org.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Edition 8/2009 49 Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames Environment Agency A user s guide to the River Thames 50